France's polarising election

Available for over a year

Kate Adie introduces stories from France, Israel-Gaza, Bolivia, Uzbekistan and the USA. French voters head to the polls in a snap election that President Macron says will shake people from their 'political fever' - but could also see the far right make further gains. Andrew Harding reflects on this pivotal election. Among the thousands of people killed during the last eight months of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza have been hundreds of medical workers. One was British-trained surgeon Dr Ahmed Al-Maqadmeh. Yolande Knell hears from his father, his widow and his former colleagues about his life and his death. An attempted coup in Bolivia this week raised the spectre of a darker period in the country’s history - when it was under military-rule some 40 years ago. Will Grant reflects on whether this was a genuine attempt to seize power - or a ruse by the current President to strengthen his own hold on power. In Uzbekistan, Chris Aslan discovers one reason why silk is so precious. Households in the desert oasis of Khorezm know that raising a batch of silkworms is a serious business: they'll take over a family's living space, insist on a diet of mulberry leaves, and won't tolerate any loud noises or strong smells. The Dipsea is said to be America’s oldest trail running race and organisers leave it to the runners to forge their own path between the race start and the finishing line. Although it’s a far cry from marathon running when it comes to distance, the race is known to have stretched some of the most hardened of trail runners. Amy Steadman took up the challenge. Series producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinator: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith